Title
Resolution to Approve the Appropriation of $140,000.00 from the General Fund Unobligated Fund Balance for the Design and Preparation of a Grant Application for the Pauline-Runnymede Path (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
The Pauline-Runnymede path is an existing asphalt path that connects Pauline Boulevard to the dead-end segment of Runnymede Boulevard. The path is an important connection for the neighborhood to the south and for non-motorized access to Dicken Elementary School. The path is currently in poor condition and City staff has received many inquiries about repairing the path.
The path is located on the property of the Walden Village Condominiums and the City does not currently have an easement for the path. While Walden Village has committed funds to perform repair work on the path in 2025, the City is seeking a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant to supplement this effort. Applications for the next round of TAP grant applications a due in June of 2024. The estimated to total cost of the project is approximately $750,000.00. This planning-level cost estimate includes the replacement of the existing path with a 5-foot wide concrete path that will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The TAP grant application process requires at least 30% plans to be developed. Thus, Staff is requesting this funding allocation to begin the design process for the project so that the grant application can be submitted on time. Wade Trim, Inc. will be providing the engineering and grant application support for the project. The requested $140,000.00 is anticipated to cover the entire design phase.
To obtain a TAP grant, the City will also need to have control over the property on which the path sits. Staff will work with Walden Village to obtain the required easement, as well as develop an agreement for the long-term maintenance of the path.
The TAP grant will not cover the entire cost of the project and requires a local match. In addition, the more local match proposed, the greater the likelihood of obtaining the grant. Staff will work with Wade Trim’s grant experts to determine the ideal cost sharing split. Staff will also meet with Walden Village to determine if their funds could be used for some or all of the local match for the grant, or to cover a portion of the design costs for the project.
Staff
Prepared by: Nicholas Hutchinson, P.E., City Engineer
Reviewed by: Brian Steglitz, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Pauline-Runnymede path is an important non-motorized connect and is currently in poor condition;
Whereas, The City intends to apply for a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant to supplement funding to be provided by Walden Village Condominiums;
Whereas, the TAP grant application requires engineering plans to be developed to at least 30% completion; and
Whereas, Since the path design is an unbudgeted expense and is outside the City right-of-way, funds need to be appropriated from General Fund Unobligated Fund Balance for said design work;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the appropriation of $140,000.00 from the General Fund Unobligated fund balance to be transferred to the Pauline-Runnymede Path Project; thereby establishing a budget for purposes of designing and applying for a grant for said path; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.